On Wednesday at the Nigeria Mission House in New York, US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau and I signed an agreement to deepen American investment in Nigeria’s mining sector. This is an important step in strengthening Nigeria-US cooperation around our mineral resources, valued at about $700 billion. The framework covers geological data and exploration, mineral development and processing, infrastructure, and technical capacity. Nigeria cannot remain a source of raw materials while others capture most of the value. We want more local processing, quality jobs, stronger skills and greater opportunities for Nigerian businesses. In the coming months, we will turn this framework into projects, investments and real results for our people. We will identify viable projects and build partnerships that create value for Nigerians and our US partners. This is how we turn our mineral wealth into lasting economic growth and advance the diversification goals of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

On the sidelines of UNGA 81 in New York, I hosted a meeting of the Africa Minerals Strategy Group with mining investors, development partners and Ministers responsible for Solid Minerals across Africa. Representing HE President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima joined us as we considered how Africa can make greater use of its mineral wealth. Nigeria is committed to providing leadership in building stronger partnerships and ensuring our mineral resources contribute meaningfully to Africa’s growth and development.

Today, I celebrate Her Excellency, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, on her 66th birthday. Over the years, I have witnessed your warmth and genuine concern for the well-being of others. You have brought these qualities to every responsibility you have undertaken, with a sense of duty and commitment to serving our people. Your dedication to women, children, families and communities is reflected in the work of the Renewed Hope Initiative, which continues to reach people across the country and create opportunities that improve lives. As you celebrate today, I pray that Almighty God continues to bless you with good health, wisdom and fulfilment. May the years ahead bring you greater joy and many more opportunities to touch lives and contribute to the progress of our nation.

Our engagement with Murdoch University at Africa Down Under 2026 strengthened our commitment to building the knowledge and skills needed to strengthen Nigeria’s mining sector. The Nigeria-Australia Resource Industry Collaboration and Capacity Building Programme has already trained two cohorts of Nigerian officials and we are now working towards a stronger third phase with more practical industry exposure and hands-on learning. Attracting investment and technology must go hand in hand with building Nigerian capacity to manage and grow these opportunities. A stronger mining sector ultimately depends on the people who will drive it and investing in them remains central to our reform agenda.

I met with the Governing Council of Obafemi Awolowo University, led by Professor Ralph Akinfeleye, on how the institution can make better use of its mineral and intellectual resources. OAU has both the resources beneath its land and the expertise within its walls. With the right private-sector partnerships, these assets can generate revenue and create opportunities for students and researchers. I encouraged the University to deepen its work in research, innovation and practical solutions that create real economic value. We remain committed to supporting responsible mining and greater value addition across the sector.

Today, I received the Director-General of the South-South Development Commission, Ms. Usoro Offiong Akpabio, and her delegation to the Ministry in Abuja for a discussion on how we can unlock the region’s solid mineral potential. The South-South is known for its oil and gas wealth but its mineral resources also offer significant opportunities for investment, job creation and economic growth. I assured the Commission of our full support as we work together to develop these resources responsibly, promote local processing and create greater value for our people. We also discussed the opportunities available to states to participate directly in mining through properly structured state-owned entities and valid mining titles. There is a shared objective here. Our task is to align our strategies and work together to unlock the South-South’s full mineral potential.

Today, I welcomed the Governor of Taraba State, H.E. Dr. Agbu Kefas, to the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development in Abuja. We talked about how we can work together to create a safe and supportive environment for investors looking to explore Taraba’s rich mineral resources. There is real potential in Taraba and our focus remains on ensuring that these opportunities translate into sustainable investment and value for the people.

At the Africa Minerals Strategy Group’s 3rd High-Level Roundtable in New York, we continued the conversation on moving beyond the export of raw minerals to building value chains that create jobs and retain more value within Africa. Our critical minerals are central to the technologies and industries shaping the global economy so we must work together to ensure Africa is not only a supplier of raw materials but a major player in processing, manufacturing and innovation. Through the newly unveiled Continental Integration and Economic Assurance Declaration, we are moving past policy talk into real execution. We are aligning our policies and setting up dedicated financing to back bankable projects across the continent. Africa is no longer a passive bystander in the global economy. We are building the industries and taking control of our own wealth.

I led our delegation from the Nigeria Solid Minerals Company to the White House for a series of focused discussions with David Copley at the U.S. National Security Council and Diana London from the DCI Group. Our focus is building a real, investment-driven partnership between Nigeria and the United States. We talked about moving beyond simple extraction and working together across the entire supply chain, from exploration and mining to local processing and refining. This aligns directly with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's vision to diversify our economy, create jobs, and ensure Nigeria gets full value from its natural resources while supporting the global shift toward clean energy.

For decades, Africa has exported raw minerals only to import finished products at a premium. At the African Development Bank Ministerial Forum in Abidjan, I made it clear to my fellow ministers that this cycle must end. We must process more of our mineral resources here at home, create jobs, strengthen our industries and retain more value within the continent. I also called for Africa to take ownership of the data and reporting standards used to assess our mineral wealth through the Pan African Resource Reporting Code (PARC), because we must determine the true value of our resources on our own terms. The adoption of the Abidjan Declaration is an important step forward. It reflects our shared commitment to stronger regional cooperation, better financing and practical investments, including cross-border processing hubs that will help us process our critical minerals locally, expand intra-African trade and drive industrial growth. As Chair of the Africa Mineral Strategy Group, I remain committed to working with our partners across the continent to ensure Africa’s mineral wealth creates jobs, grows our economies and delivers lasting prosperity for our people.

I received the Director-General of NIMC, Dr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, and her team as we discussed how digital identity can support the ongoing reforms in the solid minerals sector. A credible identity system is essential to effective governance. It helps us track activities, strengthen regulation, improve security and make better decisions based on reliable data. These are all critical to our efforts to sanitise the mining sector and build greater transparency and accountability. We also talked about how the new NIMC Act creates fresh opportunities for stronger collaboration across government. By working together and making better use of technology and trusted data, we can improve governance, support investment and deliver lasting reforms in Nigeria’s mining industry.

I started my career in the newsroom, and clear, honest communication has always been my anchor so it was an honour to receive the Fellowship of the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON). This recognition means a lot to me because it reflects a lifelong commitment to journalism, public communication and service to our country. While it is incredibly humbling to be recognized by my peers for my years in journalism and public service, this award represents something much larger than me. It is a reminder that policy only works when people actually understand it. In our push to reform Nigeria’s solid minerals sector, we are tackling some tough challenges. We are stamping out illegal mining operations, ensuring minerals are processed locally to create jobs, rather than just shipped out raw and building the kind of regulatory trust that attracts serious, long-term investors. None of this can happen in a vacuum. If we want people, communities, and investors to partner with us, we have to communicate with absolute transparency and accountability. My sincere thanks to Dr. Olalekan Fadolapo and the entire ARCON council for this honor. It is a welcome validation of our work, and a reminder to keep talking and building.

I was decorated as a Tourism Ambassador by the Director-General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority, Mr. Ola Awakan, during a courtesy visit to my office in Abuja. We discussed how we can strengthen collaboration between the solid minerals and tourism sectors, particularly through the development of a Geo-tourism Plan that showcases Nigeria’s rich mineral assets while creating new opportunities for investment, tourism and sustainable economic growth. There is enormous potential at the intersection of mining and tourism, and we are committed to unlocking it for the benefit of our country.

At our 2026 Ministerial Retreat in Abuja, I told stakeholders that while we have made real progress in repositioning Nigeria’s solid minerals sector, we cannot afford to slow down. Our reforms have restored confidence, attracted serious investors and made the sector a key part of Nigeria’s economic diversification. Now, our focus is on accountability. Mining companies that fail to honour their Community Development Agreements will face sanctions, including the revocation of their licences. Host communities deserve to benefit from the resources in their land, and there will be consequences for those who ignore that responsibility. I also reaffirmed our commitment to ending illegal mining by strengthening the Mining Marshals and embracing practical, innovative ideas that will make the sector more secure and more beneficial to all Nigerians.

I joined His Excellency, Vice President Kashim Shettima, who represented His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, at the commissioning of the largest lithium processing plant in West Africa in Endo, Nasarawa State. This milestone aligns directly with our goal at the Ministry to ensure that Nigeria processes its solid minerals locally rather than exporting raw materials. It also demonstrates that our reforms are making Nigeria an attractive destination for serious mining investment. We are proud to support projects that create jobs and add value here at home.

As the 5th African Natural Resources and Energy Investment Summit (AFNIS 2026) came to a close in Abuja, I commended stakeholders from across Africa for their commitment to turning our vast natural resources into drivers of economic growth and industrial development. I was very encouraged seeing partnerships and agreements take shape at the summit. They are proof that AFNIS is delivering real outcomes. Our task now is to ensure that the ideas, commitments and MoUs signed at the summit translate into measurable projects that create value for our people. The true test of our success will be the tangible results we achieve in the months and years ahead.

As Nigeria continues to strengthen its position as a destination for mining and energy investment, informed conversations are more important than ever. I encourage everyone to tune in to NTA’s Good Morning Nigeria Show tomorrow and follow the discussion around the 5th African Natural Resources and Energy Investment Summit 2026.

I invite you to join us at the 5th African Natural Resources and Energy Investment Summit (AFNIS 2026), taking place from 23rd to 25th June at the State House Conference Centre, Presidential Villa, Abuja. This year's theme, "One Africa, One Resource Vision," reflects our shared commitment to unlocking Africa's vast natural resource and energy potential through collaboration, investment, and responsible development. I look forward to welcoming policymakers, investors, industry leaders and stakeholders from across the continent as we shape the future of Africa's resource sector together.

As we mark Democracy Day, I join millions of Nigerians in reflecting on the profound courage and resilience that shape our democratic journey. Our freedom was bought with genuine sacrifice, not mere words. June 12 serves as a constant reminder that our democracy is an active process, demanding our collective dedication every single day. Let us use this milestone to recommit ourselves to building a stable, prosperous Nigeria that truly works for everyone. Happy Democracy Day.

Today, I received the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, at the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development in Abuja. We discussed how our ministries can work together to drive value addition, support industrial growth and create more jobs through Nigeria’s solid minerals sector. I remain committed to unlocking the full potential of our mineral resources through the right partnerships.

I invite you to join us at the 5th African Natural Resources and Energy Investment Summit (AFNIS 2026), taking place from 23rd to 25th June at the State House Conference Centre, Presidential Villa, Abuja. This year's theme, "One Africa, One Resource Vision," reflects our shared commitment to unlocking Africa's vast natural resource and energy potential through collaboration, investment, and responsible development. I look forward to welcoming policymakers, investors, industry leaders and stakeholders from across the continent as we shape the future of Africa's resource sector together.

Today, as we celebrate Eid-El-Kabir, I want to take a moment to extend my warmest regards to you and your loved ones. This season is always about selflessness and the power of shared sacrifice. May every sacrifice made during this special time be accepted and richly rewarded. Eid Mubarak.

Nigeria has signed an MoU with the Republic of Türkiye to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the solid minerals sector, marking another important step in deepening economic collaboration between our two countries. This partnership opens the door to greater collaboration in mining technology, exploration, digitisation, and capacity building. We remain committed to building a mining sector that is transparent, secure, and attractive to serious investors. Over the past three years, we have introduced major reforms, improved the ease of doing business, and intensified the fight against illegal mining. These efforts are already restoring investor confidence and driving greater interest in our mining sector. I appreciate the strong interest shown by Turkish investors and government officials in expanding cooperation with Nigeria across mining, energy, and hydrocarbons. Partnerships like this will play an important role in unlocking the full value of our natural resources for economic growth and job creation.

Today in Abuja, I spoke at the joint stakeholders’ sensitization meeting organised by the Nigeria Revenue Service and the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development. I spoke about how the tough but necessary reforms introduced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu are beginning to reposition our economy for growth. For too long, we depended heavily on oil and imports while sectors like mining were neglected. Today, we are seeing real progress. New investments in lithium processing, gold refining, and local value addition are creating jobs, boosting investor confidence, and strengthening our economy. We are also taking firm action against illegal mining while building a more transparent and responsible mining sector that works for Nigerians.

I look forward to joining stakeholders, operators and regulators in Abuja on Wednesday May 20, 2026 for the Nigeria Revenue Service and Ministry of Solid Minerals Development sensitization session on the 2025 Tax Reform Act. This conversation is important for the future of Nigeria’s solid minerals sector. We must continue to improve compliance, strengthen transparency and ensure our mineral resources translate into real value for the country and its people. I encourage all stakeholders to be part of the engagement as we work together to build a stronger and more responsible mining sector.

Happy Workers’ Day to the men and women who are the pillars of our sector. The progress we are seeing in solid minerals is the direct result of your grit and the long hours you put in at sites across the country. My focus remains on ensuring that your hard work translates into a sector that is safer, more rewarding, and respected globally. Thank you for your dedication to building a stronger economy. We still have a lot of work ahead but I am confident we will get it right.

At the Kenya Mining Investment Conference 2026, I spoke about Africa’s mineral resources and how we are still not getting full value from it. For too long, we have exported raw materials and imported finished goods. That approach has held back our growth and limited opportunities for our people. No single country can change this alone. I made the case for stronger regional cooperation. We need to align our policies, build shared infrastructure and deepen trade among ourselves. Through the Africa Minerals Strategy Group, which has now grown to 31 countries, we are working to build a common voice and better outcomes for the continent. This goes to creating real jobs, growing our industries and taking more control of our economic future. We have a clear chance to do things differently and it is up to us to take it.

At the Kenyan Mining Investment Conference in Nairobi, I had the opportunity to respond to a light comment that had gone viral earlier, where President Ruto jokingly suggested that Nigerians don’t speak good English. I told him that Nigerians actually speak very good English. My colleague, Kenya’s Minister of Mining, Ali Joho, even backed it up with how persuasive Nigerians can be. President Ruto himself later joined in the banter on stage, and it turned into a relaxed, good-natured exchange. And for the record, Kenya and Nigeria share more than jokes. We share real ties. Even family ties in some cases, as many already know. It was all in good spirit and friendship and laughter were the real winners in Nairobi.

I met with the team from the North Central Development Commission (NCDC) to deepen our collaboration and unlock the mining potential of the North Central region. We have made steady progress with over 300 artisanal miners now organised into cooperatives and brought into the formal system, while enforcement efforts have led to more than 300 arrests, with several cases already in court. I also shared that our value addition policy is beginning to deliver real results with new processing projects in the region and over $2 billion in economic contribution so far under the administration of HE President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. I encouraged the Commission to stay focused on collaboration, transparency, and execution, and assured them of our full support.

As we celebrate the joyous occasion of Easter, I extend warm greetings to all Nigerians, particularly our Christian faithful, on this season of hope, renewal, and sacrifice. Easter reminds us of the enduring values of faith, love, and redemption. It is a solemn reflection of the triumph of light over darkness and the immense possibilities it portends in our lives. May the blessings of Easter fill our hearts with joy, strengthen our resolve to triumph over challenges and guide our nation toward sustainable progress.

I wish all Muslim faithful a joyous and peaceful Eid celebration. May this season bring renewed hope, blessings, and continued unity to our dear country.

I received HE President Bola Tinubu on his arrival at the Fairmont Hotel, Windsor, ahead of the State Visit. We look forward to the scheduled engagements that will follow.

I witnessed the signing of an agreement between the Africa Finance Corporation and the Solid Minerals Development Fund to jointly fund three major initiatives, including a $1.3 billion alumina refinery. This means jobs, technology, foreign exchange, and real contribution to our GDP over the long term. The numbers are strong, but what matters more is viability. This is how we grow mining’s real contribution to our economy. We have the minerals. With this partnership, we are putting serious capital behind developing them properly.

Today, I received the Canadian High Commissioner to Nigeria, H.E. Pasquale Salvaggio. I reaffirmed our readiness to partner with Canada to strengthen our mining sector. Canada’s expertise and technology can support the reforms we are driving to grow the industry, attract credible investors, and uphold global standards. Our focus is formalising artisanal operations, building local capacity, and offering clear incentives such as tax waivers on mining equipment and full profit repatriation after statutory obligations are met. We also agreed to set up a joint working group to define priority areas and timelines. The goal is to ensure tangible results that benefit both countries.

I’ve been re-elected as Chairman of the Africa Minerals Strategy Group, and I’m grateful to my fellow ministers for the trust they’ve shown in me again. I was first elected in 2024 at the Future Minerals Forum, and this renewed mandate came at our 2026 AGM in Riyadh. The group has also agreed on a stronger leadership structure that reflects Africa’s regions, because inclusion and balance matter if we want this platform to work. My focus remains that African countries must work together to get real value from our mineral resources. That means agreeing on basic contributions, being accountable to one another, and putting a proper budget framework in place so the AMSG can function credibly and effectively. Beyond governance, I’ve been clear that minerals alone won’t transform our economies. We need infrastructure, aligned policies, and deliberate value addition. The real work is designing financing and governance that attract investment while supporting long-term growth, stability, and shared prosperity across the continent.

Today, I met with the Saudi Arabian Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, Ibrahim Al-Khorayef, ahead of the Future Minerals Forum in Riyadh, and I am encouraged by how far Nigeria has come in the solid minerals sector. We are moving beyond exporting raw materials. We now have a high-purity gold refinery operating in Lagos, three more in development, and a 600 million dollar lithium processing plant in Nasarawa ready for commissioning. These projects are helping position Nigeria as a serious player in the minerals needed for the global energy transition. I commended Saudi Arabia for using the forum to connect countries across regions and made it clear that Nigeria wants to deepen this partnership. There are areas where they have strong expertise and others where we do, and I believe we can work together on training, technology transfer, and mineral exploration. Following last year’s forum, we set up a joint working group with the Saudi Chamber of Commerce, and its report is now ready. I also stressed that mineral traceability, environmental and social standards, and proper mine rehabilitation must be at the heart of any collaboration if we want to build lasting investor confidence.

As we enter 2026, I want to personally wish every Nigerian a happy New Year. This is a season to reflect on how far we have come and to renew our commitment to building a stronger country. My prayer is that the year ahead brings steady progress to your work, your families, and the dreams you hold close. As Minister of Solid Minerals Development, I remain deeply committed to unlocking the full potential of our mineral resources in ways that create real jobs, strengthen local communities, and add lasting value to our economy. Thank you for the trust and support you continue to show. Together, with patience and shared responsibility, we will keep moving Nigeria forward.

At this special time of the year, I extend my sincere goodwill to you and your loved ones. I wish you a season marked by peace, enduring joy, and love. May these blessings remain with you at Christmas and throughout the year ahead. On behalf of my family and the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, I wish you a merry Christmas and a prosperous new year.

At the South West Leaders Conference in Akure, I spoke with our South West leaders about how far we’ve come in reforming Nigeria’s solid minerals sector. When President Bola Ahmed Tinubu launched the Renewed Hope Agenda, he gave us a clear mission to make Nigeria a nation where everyone can thrive. In the Ministry of Solid Minerals, we’ve worked hard to reflect that vision through real reforms and accountability. We set up the Mining Marshals to tackle insecurity and illegal mining. So far, over 90 mining sites have been reclaimed, 300 offenders prosecuted, and peace is returning to mining communities. Our revenues have gone from ₦8.6 billion in 2022 to ₦38 billion in 2024 and ₦30 billion already recorded this year. The South West alone contributed ₦7.2 billion. This region has always been a hub of enterprise. From Segilola Gold in Osun, Nigeria’s most successful gold project to hundreds of active quarry and exploration sites, our people are showing what’s possible with integrity and hard work. We’ve also made it law for companies to sign Community Development Agreements before mining begins. In just two years, 45 South West communities have done so more than double the record of the previous fifteen years. Our next steps include value addition, more processing plants, and stronger partnerships to make mining a true driver of jobs and growth. I’m proud of what we’ve achieved, but even more determined about what’s ahead.

At the China Mining Conference in Tianjin, I invited investors to take a deeper look at Nigeria’s solid minerals sector. Our reforms are paying off, stronger security through the Mining Marshals and satellite monitoring, and better technology like the Electronic Mining Cadastre (EMC+) and the NMRDS have made mining safer and easier to manage. As chairman of the Africa Minerals Strategy Group, I’m focused on strengthening regional cooperation and shared standards so Africa can benefit fully from its resources. We’re also expanding the Solid Minerals Development Fund to support early exploration and reduce investor risk. Nigeria offers vast potential in lithium, gold, lead-zinc, barite, and rare earth metals. Our goal is not just to mine, but to build a competitive value chain that drives clean energy, industry, and sustainable growth.

It is a pleasure to be recognised by the South Carolina House of Representatives for my work in governance and public service. Receiving this recognition and the African Leadership Award for Solid Minerals Development in New York was truly meaningful. This acknowledgment strengthens my resolve to continue reforms in Nigeria’s solid minerals sector, promoting transparency, tackling illegal mining, and driving local value addition. Our goal remains the same, to create jobs, attract investment, and build a stronger, more self-reliant Nigeria.

As we celebrate Nigeria at 65, I reflect on how far we’ve come and the work still ahead. Our freedom is a gift, but it is also a duty, to strengthen our unity and build a nation where fairness and opportunity are real for all. May this Independence Day remind us of what we can achieve together. Happy Independence Day.

Together with H.E. Vice President Kashim Shettima, I co-chaired the Second African Mineral Strategy Group Roundtable in New York during UNGA. Our discussions centered on how Africa can move from being a supplier of raw minerals to a creator of real value. We reflected on four urgent priorities: adding value through local processing and manufacturing, protecting our data sovereignty with AMREC and PARC, mobilizing Africa-led investments, and securing our vast deposits of critical minerals for the future. These conversations are vital to ensure our resources work for our people by creating jobs, building technology, and forging partnerships that respect Africa’s rightful place in the global economy.

It is an honour to have been named African Champion of the Year by the African Professionals of Australia (APA). This recognition, given at the Australia-Africa Diaspora Investment Forum in Perth on September 5, means a great deal. This reinforces my commitment to strengthening reforms in Nigeria’s solid minerals sector and to deepening our engagement with Africans around the world. The diaspora is a vital partner in our shared journey of development, investment, and innovation. I celebrate APA for creating such a strong platform for African professionals in Australia, and I look forward to continuing our collective work for the progress of our continent.

I have directed the mining marshals to seal off an illegal gold mining site in Gwagwalada, following fresh intelligence of unlawful activity in the area. This action became necessary to protect residents and avert environmental dangers. Earlier this month, our marshals shut down a similar site in the District 2 Extension layout, where sixteen suspects were arrested. The Ministry’s Mines Inspectorate has inspected the site at Gwagwalada and confirmed full compliance with my directive. A comprehensive investigation is ongoing to identify the root causes and recommend preventive measures. Meanwhile, the marshals, under ACC John Attah Onoja, have placed both sites under 24-hour surveillance until the inquiry is completed. I strongly advise residents to avoid these locations. Illegal mining not only destroys the environment but also endangers lives. We remain firm in our resolve to eradicate illegal mining nationwide. To strengthen enforcement, the Ministry is fast-tracking the deployment of satellite surveillance technology to monitor mining operations across the country.

In Yokohama, I met with the president of the Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security (JOGMEC), Mr. Michio Daito, to advance discussions on Japanese investment in Nigeria’s mining sector. I highlighted President Tinubu’s reforms, Nigeria’s skilled workforce, improving infrastructure, and incentives such as tax holidays and duty waivers. Japan requires critical minerals, and Nigeria is ready to supply them, processed locally in line with our value-addition policy. With the Nigeria Solid Minerals Corporation as partner, we agreed to strengthen technical exchanges and establish direct engagement. Nigeria is open to serious mining investment.

At the TICAD Business Expo & Conference in Japan, I had the opportunity to share what we’ve been doing in Nigeria’s mining sector. One of the most important steps we’ve taken is to move away from simply exporting raw solid minerals. Instead, our policy now focuses on adding value at home. In just the last two years, this approach has attracted about $800 million in investments for mining factories. Three major plants are already in place and getting ready for inauguration. This is a big step toward creating jobs, boosting government revenue, and building real capacity within the country. Nigeria is open to genuine partnerships with foreign mining companies. What we want are investors who are ready to do legitimate business, those who will help create jobs, pay their taxes, and transfer technology that strengthens our economy. At the same time, we understand the needs of investors, which is why the government ensures that foreign businesses can easily repatriate their profits when they choose to.

Today, I received a delegation from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), led by Mr. Tom Parker, to discuss a partnership between the Federal Government and the agency. The initiative is designed to strengthen Nigeria’s capacity to detect, investigate, and prosecute financial crimes linked to conflict and terrorism, particularly those associated with the solid minerals sector. During our meeting, the team commended the measures we have already taken, especially the establishment of the Mining Marshals, which they regard as a significant step toward addressing illegal mining. Since their deployment, the Marshals have been active in arresting and prosecuting illegal miners. Encouragingly, we are already seeing a shift, as many operators are now working to regularise their activities and comply with the law. In addition, the President has approved the deployment of a satellite-based monitoring system to enhance the surveillance of mining operations. This will allow us to identify incidents in real time and ensure timely intervention by security personnel. We welcome the support of the UNODC in this critical effort. Strengthening our institutional capacity to combat illicit financial flows and criminal activity in the mining sector is essential to protecting Nigeria’s natural resources and national security.

We have pledged our support for a Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) initiative to establish Africa’s largest rare earth and critical minerals processing plant, driven by a $400 million investment from Hasetins Commodities Ltd in Nasarawa State. This project represents over 10,000 new jobs, genuine skills transfer, and a significant step toward processing our minerals domestically. Our appreciation goes to Prince Jidayi and his team for their foresight and alignment with President Tinubu’s vision for value addition and economic diversification. The Federal Government is fully committed to this project. We will provide all necessary institutional support because initiatives like this bring us closer to our long-term national objectives.

Today, I join millions of Nigerians to celebrate Democracy Day, a day set aside to commemorate our transition to civilian rule and also to reflect on our long journey to democracy. It is a time to honour the sacrifices of men and women who, in the face of oppression and uncertainty, stood firm in the pursuit of justice, liberty, and the fundamental rights of every Nigerian. As someone privileged to serve this nation, I am constantly reminded that democracy is not a destination, but a continuous journey, one that requires vigilance, responsibility, and the collective will of the people. Let us continue to uphold the principles of democracy and work towards a nation that truly reflects the hopes, dreams, and aspirations of its people. Happy Democracy Day, Nigeria.